Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair fined for eye-black message

The NFL has fined Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair $11,593 for violating league uniform and equipment rules after he wrote “stop the genocide” across his eye black, ESPN reported Sunday.

Al-Shaair displayed the message during the Texans’ 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Monday’s AFC wild-card playoff game. According to the report, the fine was issued for unauthorised messaging on player equipment.

The 28-year-old linebacker was reportedly referencing concerns over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have followed the Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023 and resulted in the deaths of more than 70,000 people.

Al-Shaair, who is Muslim, has previously expressed support for Palestinian causes through the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative. Earlier this season, he stated, “If my platform can bring even a little hope to families in Palestine, then that is what I want to use it for.”

On the field, Al-Shaair continues to be a key contributor for Houston. A first-time Pro Bowl selection, he recorded six tackles in the playoff win against Pittsburgh. During the regular season, he totalled 103 tackles, nine passes defended, and two interceptions in 16 starts.

The Texans are set to face the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in the AFC divisional playoff round.